PhD position in Parallel Processing in Distributed Memory

Sort on published: 2018-07-04

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our mission is to pursue top-quality research and education and to interact constructively with society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has 42,000 students, 7,000 employees and a turnover of SEK 6.7 billion.

The Department of Information Technology has a leading position in research and education. The Department currently has about 280 employees, including 120 teachers and 110 PhD students. More than 4000 students study one or more courses at the department each year. More info: http://www.it.uu.se.

Subject Area and Duties: The topic for the PhD position is to develop techniques for Parallel Processing in Distributed Memory. The research aim is to apply such techniques in at least two ways: i) completely in software using task-based programming environments on distributed cluster systems, and ii) in a combination of hardware and software for upcoming 3D-stacked main memory technologies that support processing in memory. Big Data processing is increasingly becoming important for health, commerce, science, and social applications. This means that the need for large-scale processing on large-scale memory systems will explode in the near future. Currently, there is no clear way to address this need for the distributed memory case and research in this exciting area is expected to yield significant advances.

Techniques that the position will focus on include distributed memory systems, parallel programming, compilation, task-based programming and runtime support, and computer architecture with a particular emphasis on memory systems and new memory technologies.

Among the goals is to significantly extend the current models for distributed memory processing with new functionality and capabilities, to enhance scalability of such systems and attain performance that exceeds what is currently available today even with manually fine-tuned message passing approaches. In particular, to develop a state-of-the-art distributed shared memory system (DSM) called ArgoDSM to support task-based programming models and eventually arrive at a processing-in-distributed-memory model where the memory –not processors– is the primary resource.

The position is for a maximum of five years and includes departmental duties at a level of at most 20%(typically teaching) as well as taking graduate courses.

Research Environment: The position is funded by EPEEC, a three-year European Commission H2020 Future and Emerging Technologies project starting in October 2018 that brings together several world-class European research groups. In Uppsala, Stefanos Kaxiras and Kostis Sagonas, members of the computer architecture (UART) and programming language technology (PLT) groups respectively, will supervise the work. The work is performed in collaboration with partners at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Fraunhofer Institute, INRIA, IMEC, and others.

Qualifications: The candidate should have a Master of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent, in a field which is relevant for the work. It is strongly recommended to have a good and demonstrable background (e.g., via course work, participation in projects of significant size, undergraduate or graduate thesis work) in some of the following fields: computer architecture, memory systems, distributed systems, parallel programming, compilation, task-based programming and runtime support, programming language implementation, as well as to be proficient in implementing non-trivial algorithms and programs. We also expect the candidate to be fluent in verbal and written English.

How to apply: The application should include a statement of purpose, motivating preferred research directions. The application should further include a description of past experience, a CV, copies of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Master thesis (or a draft thereof), relevant publications, and other relevant documents. The candidates should indicate the earliest feasible starting date of employment and are encouraged to provide letter(s) of recommendation and contact information to reference persons.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Applications must be submitted as described in this advertisement.

Placement:
Department of Information Technology

Type of employment:
Full time
, Temporary position longer than 6 months